Osan AB

Osan Air Base (AB) is one of two major airfields operated by the U.S. in Korea and the only USAF facility in the Republic of Korea (ROK) entirely planned and built by the U.S. from scratch during the Korean War. The base is located 4.7 miles southwest of the town of Osan, for which it is named, and 40 miles south of Seoul, the capital city. Prior to the invasion of the Republic of Korea by the North Korean communists in 1950, the area consisted of several tiny farming villages near the hillsides and a large number of rice paddie areas where the runway now lies. A large ginko tree marked the village square of one of these villages and still stands on a hill in the base golf course.

Established in November 1951, the base was originally named Osan-ni Air Base (but more often referred to by its “K-55” airfield designation) in November 1951. The first base commander chose the name “Osan-ni” for practical reasons, as it was the only village shown on military maps in the region and it was easy to pronounce. In 1952 the ROK government allowed the U.S. to acquire 1,250 acres for the air base. Throughout 1952, a aviation engineers constructed a 9,000-foot runway and base support facilities were constructed. On 26 December 1952, the Osan-ni’s first operational flying unit and support elements of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (FBW) arrived at the base, including advanced elements of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing. The 18 FBW conducted combat air operations from Osan-ni Air Base in support of United Nations ground forces throughout the Korean War, and provided post-war tactical air power until October 1954. Please visit the Osan Air Base homepage for more information.

Meanwhile, the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing replaced the 18th FBW in March 1955, and assumed the air defense role with the F-86F. The wing remained the only permanently-based USAF tactical wing in Korea until July 1958. From that time, Pacific Air Forces rotated tactical fighter units into Osan AB over the next 13 years until the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron was permanently assigned to Osan AB in November 1971 (Harrumph!). The 51st Fighter Wing (FW) was originally activated at Osan AB on 1 November 1971 as the 51st Air Base Wing. The “51st” designation has remained at Osan AB ever since. Osan transitioned to standby status and hosted only temporary duty or transient units involved in Pacific Air Forces tactical operations. The base became a permanent peacetime installation. Osan has hosted many types of fighter aircraft in its history. Today, the host 51st Fighter Wing flies the A-10 (Pilsung!) and F-16 fighter (Harrumph!) aircraft.

Mission

Team Osan and Why We’re Here — Osan Air Base, located just 48 miles south of the Korean DMZ, is home to the “Mustangs” of the 51st Fighter Wing and 24 tenant units, including Seventh Air Force. As the most forward deployed permanently-based wing in the Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing is charged with providing mission-ready Airmen to execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces. Our wing with its 24 PAA, F-16 and A-10 squadrons, along with a C-12 airlift flight and a myriad of base support agencies conducts the full spectrum of missions providing for the defense of the Republic of Korea. Every member of the Osan team is vital in maintaining stability in Northeast Asia.

The Osan Base Shuttle Bus runs every hour. Express Buses are available during “rush hour” for active duty in uniform only.A shuttle bus between Yongsan Army Garrison (Seoul)and Osan AB runs approximately every hour between about 0600 to 2130 on weekdays and approximately every hour between about 0700 and 2130 on weekends and holidays. The cost is $5.60 each way.

On base taxi fare starts at $2.30 for the first mile or 5 minutes. Each additional 22.5 percent of a mile or 90 seconds (whichever comes first) will cost another 30 cents.

Sponsorship

There are command sponsored and noncommand sponsored billets at Osan AB. Please visit the Osan homepage, view the Newcomer’s Info for specific information regarding PCSing to Osan AB. You will find Incheon arrival procedures and in-processing information. Anyone needing Sponsorship Training can sign up with the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Temporary Quarters

Osan AB is currently in a non-concurrent travel status. Command Sponsored Personnel (CSP) must request concurrent travel by 51 FSS/Force Management prior to moving their family to Osan AB. CSP must obtain (committed) MFH or (committed /lease) off-base quarters prior to family’s arrival before concurrent travel is approved. For more information please contact your sponsor or the Osan Airman and Family Readiness Center, 011-82-31-661-5440 or DSN 315-784-5440.

Pet Boarding

If you are PCS’ing in, the Osan Boarding Kennels can give you piece of mind by taking loving care of your dog or cat. All animals must have a current copy of vaccination records upon registration. Dog vaccinations must also include kennel cough. Only puppies under four months of age are not allowed to stay at the kennel. Pet owners must supply food, bedding and leashes and the caring kennel staff will provide the companionship and love. The kennel is open 7 days a week year round. Reservations can be made by calling DSN 315-784-4314.

Relocation Assistance

The Combat In-processing system is designed to have you through Wing in-processing within a week of your arrival. You must visit the Military personnel Flight (MPF), Bldg 936, to sign in on between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the duty day following your arrival. You will also need to register in the D-BIDS system within 72 hours on station at the Pass & ID Office, Bldg 765.

The Osan Airman and Family Readiness Center has a full array of relocation services including information, Loan Locker items and one-on-one briefings for planning your move. Please contact the Osan Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 315-784-5440 or 011-82-031-661-5440.

For Personnel Returning from Overseas

Outbound to the U.S — Those returning to the US from overseas assignments should check out AHRN.com, a DoD web site and program providing links to the gaining community housing office, rental listings, and real estate assistance to military and DoD civilians. Though not all bases currently have the rental assistance part of AHRN, new installations are being activated in AHRN every month. Check the web site to see if your next assignment is a base where the rental assistance program has been activated. If it is an AHRN base, you will be able to see available rentals on-line before you leave.

Real Estate Assistance — Returning personnel interested in learning more about buying or selling a home can find real estate advice, education and advocacy is provided through the AHRN partner Moving Station (MS). MS real estate services provide assistance to military, civilians and family members who want to buy a home or sell their home (even if it is a “for sale by owner” or FSBO). MS will assign a personal independent real estate counselor (not an agent) who will walk you through the entire process from selling the current home to finding the new home in the new community. MS will make referrals to carefully screened, highly qualified real estate partners. These may include brokers, agents, and lenders but referrals are made only at the service member or family member’s request. Also, Osan Airman & Family Readiness Center has a Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) available for one-on-one appointment for any specific housing needs and consultations.

Critical Installation Information

North Korea and South Korea are currently in a ceasefire status. The Osan AB mission is “Ready To Fight Tonight”. The base is on watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is awareness and education for the possible evacuation of non-combatants.

To contact Songtan from Osan AB, dial “99” plus the local number. Also, to reach Osan AB from other cities in Korea dial 031-661 (784 DSN prefixes) or 031-660 (0505-122-XXXX. From the U.S., dial 011-82-31-661-XXXX; DSN 315-784-XXXX or 011-82-31-0505-122-XXXX).

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

This is a private website that is not affiliated with the U.S. government, U.S. Armed Forces, or Department of Veterans Affairs. U.S. government agencies have not reviewed this information. This site is not connected with any government agency. If you would like to find more information about benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, please visit the official U.S. government web site for veterans benefits at http://www.va.gov.